Hi, my name is kaitlyn. In 30 years old and just found out 3 weeks ago I have an anyrisum. It’s small, 2mm, but I have a family history of ruptured brain aneurysms including my mom, a 2nd cousin and a 3rd cousin. I had an angiogram done Friday and they suggested clipping it. The Dr that clips it says he thinks it can be coiled. They have asked me what I want to do. I’ve researched alot and know the clipping is more painful and longer recovery, but with my age and family history I feel clipping is a better choice. Any input? Clipping vrs coiling? They have scheduled me to have it clipped on the 10th of may.
Kaitlyn
I had a clipping for a 9mm aneurysm. I also had a family history where my sister, at 49, had a ruptured aneurysm. She survived but is significantly disabled. Yes the recovery is longer but as my neurosurgeon says "you are perfect" afterwards. There is very little chance of recurrence for that aneurysm because they have basically eliminated it. It is a frightening thought to have someone cut open your head and mess around in there but I am glad I went the way I did.
Carol
Hi Carol, I am curious if u feel clipping is more reliable? My neuro surgeon said that clipping has a higher chance of complications and is more invasive. He said that study have shown no difference from clipping vs coiling. I was given the impression that clipping was the way to go. However I do see on here that many have chosen clipping. I have ok'd coiling and am waiting for a surgery date. This process seems to be the hardest decision to make. When u have a csection they tell u what they are doing, when and where. Knee surgery, they tell u what they are doing. Brain aneurysm, and they give u 3 options to chose from. My mom sees the neurosurgeon on Thrusday. I can't wait to see what options they give her.
Hi Kaitlyn,
I had a clipping done 8 months ago for a 4mm aneurysm. Although I did not have the option of coiling due to the location and shape of the aneurysm, I am so glad I went through with the procedure rather than monitoring. Being 25 at the time, I was glad that this would be a permanent fix and “cure”. This process did not go without stress, anxiety, fear and any other emotion possible. The recovery was also not easy by any means but with faith and strength I was able to push through. Ultimately, it is what you feel more comfortable with. Of course clipping is a more invasive procedure and longer recovery, but there is also decades worth of research and success stories. Being only 30, my choice for you would be the clipping. I would be more than happy to answer any specific questions you may have. Good luck and stay strong!
-Cait
Thank you all so much for your input. It makes me feel better about my choice. . My Surgury will be on the 9th. How long was everyone’s recovery?
Hi Kaitlyn, you’ll find lots of great answers and advice here. The one thing I’ve learned throughout this entire ordeal is, while so many emotions are the same, circumstances are different. Before a decision like that can be made, it depends on a few things, you already said the size, where’s it located? Is it dissected? What’s it’s shape? Most dr’s will recommend coiling if possible because the recovery time is less and although no official study has been done, more clipping patients have after surgery issues. I would ask my Doctor why he/she is giving me a choice, what’s the risk of each, and if your still undecided get a second opinion. This is a major decision!
After Surgury issues? What are some examples? I don’t actualy know a whole lot about my anyrisum. It’s located in the front left temple area. The Dr who did my angiogram and would do the coiling said he thinks it would be difficult to get to coiling and should be clipped. But the Dr who does clipping said he thinks it could be coiled just fine. My biggest concern with coiling is that I could still have a rupture. That I could need recoiling down the line. And more angiograms then I’d prefer to have. And that the Dr who would do the coiling feels it’s not a good place for coiling.
Snowflakes, I felt it was more reliable based on the research I did and talks with my surgeon during my diagnosis. It was the right choice for me. Yes, it is more invasive since they are cutting open your head, the surgery is a long procedure, etc. The coiling they go in through the groin and do not have to cut open your head. Although I tell you my surgeon talked about it as if I had a hangnail. It is not an easy decision at all and you will re-think it all the time. Carol
Snowflakes said:
Hi Carol, I am curious if u feel clipping is more reliable? My neuro surgeon said that clipping has a higher chance of complications and is more invasive. He said that study have shown no difference from clipping vs coiling. I was given the impression that clipping was the way to go. However I do see on here that many have chosen clipping. I have ok'd coiling and am waiting for a surgery date. This process seems to be the hardest decision to make. When u have a csection they tell u what they are doing, when and where. Knee surgery, they tell u what they are doing. Brain aneurysm, and they give u 3 options to chose from. My mom sees the neurosurgeon on Thrusday. I can't wait to see what options they give her.
Kaitlyn
Some further surgery experiences. Again I had a clipping - I now have three clips in my head.
The strangest thing that happened to me after surgery was hearing my clips click together. My husband thought I was crazy. When I went in for my first follow-up after surgery they asked if I could hear the clips. I almost cried, just knowing that I wasn't imagining it. It lasted about a week and then was gone but now every once in a while I hear it. It is freaky.
Seriously the worst part for me after surgery was the headaches. I had to start seeing a neurologist who I see every 4 months now. She helps manage the headaches for me so they are almost non-existent now.
I also have issues with numbers. Not adding, etc. but the volume, which number is more or less. Fractions, I cannot wrap my head around fractions because I now have to "imagine" it. If someone starts talking about having something 1/3 of the way complete, I am lost!
Taste, some things taste different now. Mostly liquids, cannot drink soda. Lots of sauces or gravies taste very sweet to me now.
Of course balance issues. Won't even talk about how if I bend over for too long I might fall down.
But you know what, who cares. I'm alive and the luckiest person I know.
Carol
Kaitlyn said:
After Surgury issues? What are some examples? I don't actualy know a whole lot about my anyrisum. It's located in the front left temple area. The Dr who did my angiogram and would do the coiling said he thinks it would be difficult to get to coiling and should be clipped. But the Dr who does clipping said he thinks it could be coiled just fine. My biggest concern with coiling is that I could still have a rupture. That I could need recoiling down the line. And more angiograms then I'd prefer to have. And that the Dr who would do the coiling feels it's not a good place for coiling.
Thanks carol!
I was clipped and I feel more confident knowing I won’t have to have more coils added every so often. My NYU surgeon is one of the rare docs that does both clipping and coiling - what’s nice about that is that he can decide which is better for his patients since he’s ONE person evaluating both options. Good luck 
Hi,
First, listen to your doctor. I had my 1st angio in July 2013 - they found 2 aneurysms, one in the Basilar artery 11mm, and one on the right side, small 2mm. Coiling and stent was recommended for the Basilar artery aneurysm because of its location and preferred for internal arteries. That was done on July 27, 2013. The other one could not be coiled because of its location would have to be clipped.
Clipping requires cutting into the skull after shaving the head and exposes the brain. After my 2nd angio in March 2014 the coiled aneurysm was 100% gone, and my doctor wanted to angio the 2nd to see if it had grown after a year from the 1st operation.
Unfortunately, I was laid off in April 2014, and haven't had the 2nd angio.
In short, if your doctor feels it can be successfully coiled, discuss what is involved with both procedures, recovery time and pros and cons. Then, with your doctor, make an informed decision.
We can research ourselves into panic, but if you feel you have made the right decision, go with it and be positive. You can still change the type of procedure if you are questioning the decision.
Praying for you.
Sheryl
I did a clipping at age 34 for that reason. It felt more permanent. My recovery really wasn’t that bad.